| Complaint number |
NTB Type
|
Date of incident |
Location |
Reporting country or region (additional) |
Status |
Actions |
|
NTB-000-512 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2012-06-01 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
South Africa |
Resolved
2013-04-10 |
View |
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Complaint:
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While the SADC and most EAC countries as well as most international countries allow a vehicle length (semi truck and trailer) of 18,5 M Tanzania only allows 17,5M. This is, in itself, not really a problem, and we are willing to buy permits in order to comply with that country's rules. However the only way you can obtain a permit is to arrive at Tunduma border post (or any border post ) then you have to pay someone to catch a bus for about 900 Kms and apply in Dar es Salaam. This can take days and then to aggravate the situation, the permits will only be issued on a Thursday, then the runner has to catch a bus all the way back to the border post in unreliable busses etc. It only took two days to clear the transit goods into Tanzania for transit into Kenya, however we have had to wait approximately ten days just to get a permit for being the normal SADC length of vehicle. We are carrying UN goods and we have now missed the deadline for the goods to be loaded onto the ship in Mombasa. It is entirely unacceptable that Thousands of Dollars of time and money are now lost due to such a rule that the rest of world has moved past. Also if Tanzania wishes to continue to collect revenue for permits then is it not an easier solution for them to have an office at the border (possibly VID) that can issue a permit and allow goods to move in due time. At the very least could Tanroads, or the Ministry not simply allow pre purchase or order of the permits via internet and let VID issue and check the vehicle dimensions at the border? Why does this have to be such a difficult and time consuming issue that slows down trade into and across Tanzania's borders |
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Resolution status note:
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At the Tripartite NTBs Online Reporting, Monitoring and Eliminating Mechanism Meeting to Launch the SMS Reporting Tool held from 9-10 April 2013 in Lusaka, Zambia, Tanzania had consultations with South Africa and agreed it was a one off incident and if any issues arise they should contact Tanroad office at the Tunduma Border. |
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NTB-000-566 |
8.6. Vehicle standards
Policy/Regulatory |
2013-02-12 |
Botswana: Pioneer Gate |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-09-13 |
View |
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Complaint:
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This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
The Botswana traffic authorities at Pioneer Gate, are applying outdated overall vehicle width and overall vehicle height limits. The are applying maximum 2.5m width and 4.1m height.
For many years, SADC has recommended 2.6m width and 4.3m height.
Most of the countries in the Southern African region, have 2.6m and 4.3m, and so the vehicles are built to suit these dimensions. They cannot be reduced to 2.5m and 4.3m without major structural alterations.
Furthermore, the 2.6m width was set so that an ISO shipping container, which is 2.4m wide, can be loaded onto a trailer that has sideboards. This cannot be done on a trailer that is 2.5m wide, since the sideboards take up at least 100mm width. The 2.6m also allows two standard pallets to be loaded side-by-side inside a pantechnicon body.
On occasions, when this problem has arisen in the past, the traffic officials have agreed that, to facilitate trade, the vehicles can operate in Botswana. But, there are also occasions, such as the present case, when traffic officials have insisted that the smaller dimensions must be enforced. This is a serious inconvenience and extra cost to transporters.
For trade facilitation, Botswana must change its act to the larger dimensions, and, in the meantime, allow vehicles with those dimensions to operate freely. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 13th September 2016, FESARTA advised that the transporters were no longer facing this barrier so the NTB is resolved. Botswana is in the process of ammending the regulations to conform wit the requirements. |
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NTB-000-624 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2014-02-18 |
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls |
Zambia |
Resolved
2014-03-19 |
View |
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Complaint:
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This complaint is registered by FESARTA.
A Zambian transport company has 6 vehicles carrying copper into Zimbabwe, detained at the Vic Falls weighbridge, because “the exhaust is pointing down to the ground “ and it must be “up in the air “ according to an official on duty.
The vehicles are manufactured by Mercedes Benz and, for these vehicles; the exhaust is designed to point to the ground.
This exhaust position is perfectly within the law in Zambia where the vehicles are registered. Zimbabwe should respect and accept the Zambian standards.
This action taken by the Zimbabwean official is unacceptable and the Focal point is requested to explain if this is a violation of Zimbabwean law. It is suggested that urgent action be taken to allow the truck to continue with its journey and also to facilitate movement of goods. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 19 March 2014, Zimbabwe reported that the trucks were released on the same day and the owner was advised to contact the manufacturer (Mercedes Benz) to adjust the exhaust as required by Zimbabwean Law. The requirement is in terms of the Construction, Equipment and Use Regulations promulgated under the Road Traffic Act [Chapter13:11] uploaded onto the system.
However, the Ministry of Transport indicated that they shall not enforce this requirement on foreign registered trucks as long as this is not in their domestic legislation. Zimbabwe is expected to issue a formal notification to this effect to enable enforcement of the said exemption on foreign trucks. |
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NTB-000-626 |
8.6. Vehicle standards
Policy/Regulatory |
2014-02-28 |
Botswana: Martins Drift |
South Africa |
Resolved
2014-11-24 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Various incidents at both Martins Drift Border post and at Kazungula - Officials imposing Botswana height restrictions of 4.1 - on SA registered vehicles - agreement at 4.3? please advise |
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Resolution status note:
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Thanks Kelly. Please upload a copy.
Regards |
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NTB-000-670 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2015-05-08 |
Tanzania: Tunduma |
South Africa |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Despite the passing and acceptance of EAC Vehicle Overload Bill of 2012, whereby it states under the Fourth Schedule s.5 (1) (c) - VEHICLE DIMENSIONS, AXLE LOAD CONFIGURATIONS AND VEHICLE COMBINATIONS, that the maximum vehicle combination length permissible is 22 m and which includes and covers the South African designed and developed Interlink combination of 22 m maximum. Tanzania are still insisting on abnormal vehicle permits to be issued to these vehicles on entry into Tanzania at Tunduma Border Post at a cost of US $20 per entry or face heavy penalties including the impounding of vehicles if they are not in posesion of an abnormal permit.
This is in breach of the Bill which has been accepted by all EAC Member Countries including Tanzania and this policy needs to be revoked ASAP. |
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Resolution status note:
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During the SADC Regional meeting on resolution of NTBs held on 14-15April 2026, it w2as noted that efforts top obtain informtion facilitating resolution of the complaint had not been sucessful therefore the NTB is resolved |
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NTB-000-689 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2016-03-23 |
Botswana: All Border posts or entry points into Botswana by road |
South Africa |
Resolved
2026-04-15 |
View |
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Complaint:
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We have a problem in Botswana regarding the determination of Road User Charges at the border posts into Botswana.
The trailer manufacturers states the GVM to be 36 000 kg per unit (see attached vehicle registration papers)
This is the combined weight of the front and back link. However that is not what is reflected on the disc.
What it should say on the disc, is that the carrying capacity:
a) on the front link is 13000 kg.
b) The rear link is 23000kg.
c) The combined weight is thus 36 000kg.
We all know that it is not possible to carry 36000kgs on the front link and 36000kgs on the rear link. The axle configurations do not permit this to say the very least.
The problem arises on entry into Botswana at the border posts. They charge their road user fees per disc weight on the front and rear trailer.
therefore we end up paying for 36000kgs for the front trailer and 36000kgs for the rear trailer, this is 72 000kgs per unit.
To change the SA disc the following procedure will have to be followed.
1) W/bridge
2) Road worthy
3) Registration certificate
4) Certificate of compliance
5) Certificate model
6) Builders certificate
7) Ten days to change details of GVM per trailer.
a) It is very costly
b) it is very time consuming
c) it is not practical
d) It defeats the object of standardization and harmonization in the SADC region.
In this day and age where we are all trying to tighten our belts in order to survive, we can ill afford such additional costs.
This matter requires the urgent intervention of the focal point group in Botswana to address this matter urgently with the Roads Department in Gaborone, all relevant documentation pertaining to this case has been attached. |
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Resolution status note:
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It’s a long term and policy issue so the recommendation is that it is removed from the System and negotiatiosn continue under the policy organs process. Transporters can log the NTB again if not resolved under the negotiations process. |
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NTB-000-693 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2016-04-22 |
Uganda: Lira Mobile weighbridge |
Uganda |
Resolved
2016-04-25 |
View |
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Complaint:
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truck number UAQ 474t/UAD 291Q is being held at the LIRA mobile weigbride due to overload after it was weighed in Mbale and bares the weighbridge ticket with the right tonnage as requires to be carried by the truck.
the truck was weighed in mbale with a gross weight of 48 and when weighed in lira, it has a gross weight of 56 tonnes
the truck is loaded with world food program relief food destined for Sudan and this barrier is affecting the supply to the sudannese people who are in urgent need of food |
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Resolution status note:
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Uganda Focal point reported that the truck had been released on the same day. |
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NTB-000-708 |
8.6. Vehicle standards
Policy/Regulatory |
2016-04-30 |
Kenya: Mombasa sea port |
Uganda |
Resolved
2016-12-07 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Charging of a Ks. 30,000 fines for criminal offence (TR361/16) for lorries imported by Uganda from German without Mud Guards. |
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Resolution status note:
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The 22nd EAC NTBs forum held in December 2016 accepted Kenya report that the charges were not discriminatory therefore not an NTB. |
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NTB-000-717 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2016-07-13 |
Zambia: military base |
South Africa |
Resolved
2016-11-17 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Trucks from various countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa and Malawi origin transporting Maize bran legally with valid documentation and export permits issued by Zambian Dept of Agriculture were held at Kafue Weigh Bridge for almost a week, others longer than 3 weeks allegedly waiting for validation of export permits.
On 13 July permanent Secretary of Lusaka province arrived and Kafue bridge and after a short talk on maize smuggling to drivers ordered 31 of the trucks to be convoyed back to Lusaka to a military base under escort of military police to be impounded.
The drivers were told that upon arrival at the destination they were to take nothing from the trucks and leave. They were also told that where they were to sleep/reside was not the concern of the military personnel or authorities, it was their own problem.
At the military base the drivers manage to negotiate the removal of their clothing, blankets and personal effect , and were forced to hand over the keys to the vehicles and sign forms of impoundment.
This all for vehicles tranporting goods legally, all carrying clearing documentation legally processed by zambian clearing agents and valid legal permits issued by the Zambian Dept of Agriculture in Lusaka.
Subsequent to this another approximate 20 vehicles has experienced the same process.
Daily representations, discussions and meetings since then between various persons and organizations representing transporters and the office of the permanent Secretary of Lusaka yield no results or explanation for the impoundment of vehicles carrying legal documents, nor a date when the vehicles will be released.
Drivers are out on the streets, many with no suitable place to sleep. Some, out of desperation resorted to hitch-hiking back to their home countries.
Transporters are incurring heavy losses.
We urgently request that these trucks be released by the military and Zambian Authorities as this is costing the Transporters a lot of money in lost revenue and it is illegal for the Zambian Authorities and army to hold legally operated trucks.
The incident is also going to be escalated via the relevant countries' embassies/high commissions and Trade Authorities . |
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Resolution status note:
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On 17th November 2016, South Focal Point confirmed that the NTB had been resolved . |
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NTB-000-791 |
8.6. Vehicle standards
Policy/Regulatory |
2017-11-10 |
Botswana: Kazungula Road |
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Resolved
2018-04-10 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Botswana requires that transporters get exemption permits issued either in Francistown or Gaborone, the same original permits must then be couriered to Kazungula where the permit then must be presented to the Kazungula PTC for authorisation and stamping, then to the Botswana Power Corporation for authorisation and stamping, only then can the truck proceed to Kazungula weighbridge and present the permit and be inspected and weighed.These permits are only valid for 7 days so the window in which to use the same permit is very narrow, especially since there are sometimes issues where Zambia Revenue Authority Asycuda system experiences failures and down time.
Further, Transporters are required to put up abnormal signs and red flags on the trucks before they can be released by the Kazungula weighbridge staff. The weighbridge does not permit trucks with over 4.3 Metres high is not permit and yet most of the trailers which the transporters run are just under 4.4 Meters high with a High Cube container on board.
There are no bridges or low power lines, to which a High cube container with a height of 4.6 Metres , would pose a threat to on the entire route from Zambia through Botswana and South Africa .
This is another one of many hurdles being put in the road which is increasing the costs of regional trade and is yet another barrier to trade on our corridor to South Africa. |
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Resolution status note:
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On 10th April 2018 , Botswana Focal Point reported that Botswana is in compliance with the Regional Standard Dimensions of Vehicles in all its aspects; and specifically the 4.3m overall height.
Exemption permits for over height vehicles is issued from two (2) central locations i.e. Gaborone and Francistown. However Botswana has eased the problem on transporters by issuing Annual exemptions which means the transporter need only to apply once in a year for his Fleet crossing into Botswana. The exemption has no limitations on the number of trips the transporter undertakes nor when the trips are made. The frequent users of the corridor are at liberty to apply for a one year permit.
Transporters are expected to apply for the permit either through their representatives or agents well in advance to enable Department of Roads to process the permit on time. Copies are sent to all the weighbridges along the route that the truck will follow.For safety purposes abnormal signs and red flags are supposed to be mounted on the vehicles before they are allowed onto the public road. |
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NTB-000-958 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2020-05-20 |
Mozambique: Dondo Weigh Bridge
-19.578854, 34.728999 |
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Resolved
2022-10-20 |
View |
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Complaint:
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The road block/weigh bridge at Dondo on the N6 approx 40km North West of Beira has been mentioned before on this portal as a non tariff trade barrier.
On 20th May 2020 our empty Zambian registered vehicle was stopped by said authorities and charged the equivalent of USD 300 (MT 20,000) for not having a sticker on the truck indicating the GVM and Tare. This is not the first time this has happened, the fines vary upwards from a USD 50 'warning'. Until now we have never been provided with any form of receipt.
According to Decree 1/2011 of 23 March The Road Traffic Code, Article 142 - Fine 1. Offences set out in thie Code for which no penalty has been set, are punishable by a fine of MT 500. This brings to question a fine of MT20,000.
Zambian Law does not require the GVM/Tare etc of the vehicle to be shown on the outside of the vehicle. As with all SADC nations, you are required to have a manufacturers plate indicating this and other information (refer VLM - MOU SADC - EAC - COmesa - Final - Feb 2017 page 27. Member states are bound to recognise the soveriegnty and legalty of a foreign states Certificate of Fitness and in such the fact that this sticker is not required on a Zambian vehicle should be respected.
The fine that was issued is not receipted on the proper document. Neither are these officials empowered to issue a fine as it has to be completed at a Police Station where an Official Receipt in issued on an A4 Sized Page.
Reference to the article/decree refered to 67/1 cannot be found (except that relevants to travel on level crossings) and has presumable been replaced by the Decree 1/2011 of 23 March The Road Traffic Code where no mention of this sticker is made.
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Resolution status note:
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Mozambique reported that the notice of fine issued on the Dondo Bascula to the driver Mbewe Clevery, should not be dealt with under the Traffic Code, since in Mozambique, the lack of an indicative record of Gross Weight and Tare vehicle is provided for in article 67 of the Regulation for the Transport of Motor Vehicles and Trailers (RTVAR) and is sanctioned with a fine of MZM 10,000.00 and not MZM 20,000.00 as mentioned by the Traffic Agent who issued the fine. Fines for non-compliance with RTVAR rules are listed in Annex VII, pursuant to 1 of article 134.
In cases where there are irregularities in the drawing up of the infraction notice, paragraph 3 of article 134 of the RTVAR gives the driver the right to file a complaint with the National Institute of Land Transport (INATTER) within 15 (fifteen) days from the date of issue of notice. The complainant does not provide any proof of payment, which makes it uncertain whether he paid it or not.
Steps will be taken to improve oversight at this scale and across the Corridor. Contact telephone numbers will be available at weighbridges and checkpoints for clarification and complaints. |
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NTB-000-971 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2020-07-14 |
Zambia: Halfway Patrol |
Zimbabwe |
Resolved
2021-03-17 |
View |
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Complaint:
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We export to Zambia and use our own truck (an 8tonne truck with yellow plates)to dispatch the products. We have exported for 5 times without any incident. On the above mentioned date our driver got a fine apparently for "plying for hire and reward". We have been exporting to Botswana since 2016 and we have never come across such an incident.We are not into transport business therefore our truck is specifically for dispatching to our customers hence the Yellow plates. We have a PTA Carrier Licence.
Please assist us. |
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Resolution status note:
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The Focal Point contacted the exporter to provide further information on whether it was a one of or repeated challenge . Exporter has not provided feedback. RESOLVED DUE TO LACK OF EVIDENCE |
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NTB-001-067 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2022-04-15 |
Kenya: |
Kenya |
Resolved
2023-02-20 |
View |
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Complaint:
|
Non recognition of Truck specifications approved and registered in Uganda.Kenya charges truck drivers approximately 150,000 ksh with trucks that have three axle loads.These are recognized and approved for transportation by Uganda. The truck drivers after paying the penalty are required to apply for an exemption permit that should be applied for two weeks in advance which is an additional delay and amounts to an increase in business costs. |
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Resolution status note:
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The meeting was informed that Kenya is implementing the East African Community Vehicle Load Control (Vehicle Dimensions and Axle Configurations) Regulations (EAC-VLC) Act and its subsequent regulations of 2018. The trucks affected were found to be in violation of the Law. The Act provides a maximum of 4 axles (2 steerings and 2 rear) on a rigid chassis vehicle which must not exceed 12 meters. Impounded vehicles had 5 axles on a rigid chassis vehicle which is not allowed by law. The meeting agreed that the Partner States need to abide by the EAC Laws. Hence the complaint is not an NTB. |
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NTB-001-223 |
8.6. Vehicle standards |
2024-12-11 |
Uganda: Mutukula |
Tanzania |
Resolved
2025-05-30 |
View |
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Complaint:
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Our company has been engaged in the transportation of Ammonium Nitrate Prill (ANDP) from Tanzania to Uganda using flatbed trailers for several years. Recently, we received notification from the Security Officers at Mutukula stating that the transportation of this product on flat decks is no longer permitted. Instead, we are now required to utilize high-sided, closed-box trailers or containers.
We understand that these regulations are in place to ensure safety and compliance; however, this change represents a significant investment for transporters, both in acquiring new equipment and in adjusting transport rates. In light of this, we kindly request that the relevant laws and specifications pertaining to the transportation of this material be made available to the public. Access to this information would greatly assist us in directing our efforts and resources effectively. Thank you for your consideration. |
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Resolution status note:
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This is not an NTB as it is a requirement by Community Law that Partner States need to abide by. The goods being tranfered are classified as hazadous goods that need special handling while being transported. |
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